Polaris @ Emo's - Austin

September 3rd, 2024: Polaris, BlessTheFall @ Emo's- Austin, TX

Polaris | Photos Courtesy of: Bernadette Castillo

I was so excited to be able to photograph this tour stop at Emo’s here in Austin, TX; I’ve heard of both BlessTheFall and Polaris as metalcore mainstays, but hadn’t seen either of them live, and knew it was going to be an incredible show!

I don’t remember the last time I saw a frontman as charismatic and engaged with the crowd as BlessTheFall’s Beau Bokan. You could tell that the crowd was ecstatic to see the band and it was a really beautiful thing to witness just how into their show the crowd was.

Admittedly, I am more familiar with Polaris’ music, and what a treat it was to get to see them play live! The lead vocalist, Jamie Hails, displays such range with his screams - the lows and highs were so powerful to see in person. The musicianship of the band was impeccable, these guys are truly masters at what they do. (I’d also be remiss to mention that last June, their guitarist, Ryan Siew, passed - and while I wish I would have been able to see him play live; it’s clear he’s dearly missed).

My absolute favorite shows to see and photograph is metal and metalcore; I feel like there is often this preconceived notion about how ‘aggressive’ it is, and while sure, there’s bound to be moshpits - all the metal shows I’ve been to, and especially this one; there’s such a positive energy, with the band and crowd looking out for each other and taking care of one another.

BlessTheFall